Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning | A Guide for NHRIs in the Asia Pacific Module 2: Developing your MEAL Framework Section 2.1. Understanding the key MEAL concepts A MEAL Framework typically consists of interlinked concepts: inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes and indicators. Definitions and examples are provided in Table 2. Note: there are no standardised definitions of these concepts and other sources may use different names for the same concepts (e.g. ‘interventions’ for activities, or ‘impact’ for long-term outcomes). Your NHRI (or donors/ funders/partners) may also use terms such as ‘Program logic’, ‘Programme theory’ or ‘Log frame’. Use the terms you are most familiar with. This guide uses a simple logic model as its theory of change as indicated below. By combining these concepts in a logical way, you will develop your MEAL Framework. The following sections will take you through these steps and describe the concepts in more detail. Situation Inputs Activity Output Outcome(s) Table 2: Key MEAL Framework Concepts Concept Definition Example Situation An analysis of the human rights situation that your NHRI want to address. Family violence: many people are impacted but women and children are the most vulnerable. Your NHRI’s staff, financial, physical and technical resources. • NHRI staff knowledge and time What is the problem or issue and who is impacted? Inputs What resources are required to deliver your activity/ies? Activities What actions do you need to take to deliver your output(s)? Outputs What will your activities produce? Short and medium-term outcomes What changes do you expect to see in the short and medium-term? 30 • donor funding • working relationships with local policy makers What your NHRI does with those inputs, such as actions, processes, events, tools, meetings and education. • desk-based research The immediate result or product of your activity/ies. • report Short and medium-term changes happen as a result of your inputs, activities and outputs. Policy, lawmakers and other relevant stakeholders are better informed about family violence and actively seek to reduce it. • village consultations and surveys • public hearings • report drafting • training guideline